What's Included in a General Dentist's Job Description?
If you need a dentist that can provide dental care to all your family members regardless of their age, a general dentist is the right professional for the job. General dentists can provide their patients with a range of dental services, including but not limited to the following:
Prevention of dental disease
The primary aim of general dentistry is to prevent disease through early diagnosis of dental problems. That explains why general dentists perform regular dental exams. Dental exams are carried out to check the dental health of the patient and they include dental x-rays and CT scans. The dentist will probably examine the teeth, gums, jawbones and other structures of the mouth. If the dentist establishes that the patient may be faced with a dental problem, they will recommend early treatment to help solve the problem before it can exacerbate.
Aside from performing a thorough dental examination, a general dentist will also perform a professional teeth cleaning, which is geared towards removing plaque and tartar that can increase the potential for dental disease. To add to this, general dentists can also give people professional advice on how to maintain proper oral hygiene and ensure good oral health.
Emergency treatment
Aside from working towards preventing dental disease, a general dentist can also see a patient in crucial times of need — like when a dental emergency arises between regular appointments and the patient needs immediate treatment. All the patient needs to do in an emergency situation is to contact the dentist before arriving at the dental office or clinic to let them know that they will be coming in for emergency treatment. Most general dentists offer emergency or after-hours dental service so they can attend to their patients 24/7.
Consultation
General dentists can also provide consultancy service to patients that require professional advice on specific dental treatments. If a patient wants to achieve a brighter smile by whitening their teeth, and they are wondering whether to opt for in-office or at-home teeth whitening, the dentist can explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of treatment options to help the patient make an informed choice.
Finding the right general dentist for your family will ensure effective prevention of dental disease in your family, but also ensure that dental problems are treated properly when they arise. Most importantly, a general dentist will help you manage the overall oral health of your entire family.
Contact a family dentist in your area for more information and assistance.
